After writing about Klagge’s Ice Cream, a reader asked me to check on an ice cream shop he remembered in the Sterling Shopping Center. Thanks to the crack research team at the Mower County Historical Society, I have some information.

From the Austin Daily Herald on April 5, 1954: “Sterling Shopping Center will observe its fifth anniversary this week with open house, free movies and a candidate for Miss Austin… Today, the center comprises 26 stores and service establishments, the largest retail development in Austin area’s history. Investment has exceeded a million dollars…

Building boomed with the opening of the first store and by the end of 1950, the following 10 businesses were in operation:

Trowbridge Super Market, Enstad Nash Garage, Sterling Motel, Kenneth Rosenthal Painting and Decorating Store, Chuck Hall Cleaners, Sterling Barber Shop, Sterling Pastries, Warn’s Shoe Store, Earl’s Furniture and Sterling Ice Cream Store…

Announcement was made Saturday that Janice Plager is Sterling’s candidate for Miss Austin.”

 This week at the HHH

Tuesday: ASD Family Respite Night at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Battle of Birch Coulie lecture at noon by author John Christgau on this Dakota War battle in 1862 in Renville Co, Minnesota. Free and open to the public.

 Coming Soon

Social Concerns: Simple, Swift & Sweet – Desserts by Jack Erwin, Chef at the Cedars of Austin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 18. Free and open to the public. Please register at 433-4243 to attend.